Chunky Chickpea Shakshuka

This is one of those meals that speaks to the soul. Growing up, I would often have shakshuka in my grandmother’s cozy Amman kitchen during my childhood vacations in Jordan. That would be the beginning of my lifelong passion for cooking. My paternal grandmother Nema’s enthusiasm was evident by the way that she poured her…

One Pot Mujadarra with Freekeh

I finally woke up to a dark, gloomy, and chilly morning, which after having lived half of my life in Florida, is an occasion for excitement. Autumn is my favorite time of the year. It calls for hot teas, cozy fires, revitalizing meals, good reads, and most importantly, good company. Mujadarra, which is a traditional Levantine dish…

Roasted Butternut Squash with Zaa’tar and Tahineh

The ingredients that make this recipe so special are as basic in my pantry as salt and pepper. Zaa’tar, tahineh, and extra-virgin olive oil are my kitchen staples, but they add a degree of complexity and depth to so many dishes. And as I have recently discovered, one of the best partners to tahineh is one…

Canaan Autumn Salad

Golden sunrises, crisp cool breezes, and an abundance of comforting produce characterize the fall season in the Mediterranean. This salad, which is often the result of my October pantry-raiding, reflects the colors and flavors of this bountiful month. Fresh bright green arugula, crispy spiced chickpeas, vivid and sweet sultanas, crunchy nuts, sweet and sour pomegranate…

Sweet Morning Quinoa

A deliciously creamy quinoa porridge cooked with coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, banana pieces, and sultanas. Top it off with caramelized banana slices, dried coconut, walnuts, and sultanas or dried cranberries for the perfect texture. Even though it’s summer, this breakfast treat will be sure to warm up your soul. It’s wholesome, nourishing, soothing, and…

Carrot and Ginger Soup

This carrot soup is tangy, zesty, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Ginger, turmeric, lime juice, garlic, chili, and coconut milk make for a most exciting and nourishing bowl of utter deliciousness. Simply the best carrot and ginger soup I have had. So good! INGREDIENTS/ SERVES 3-4 1 medium onion, finely chopped 3 tablespoons coconut oil…

Chocolate and Tahini Energy Balls

These energy balls or energy “truffles” as I like to call them, are my go-to food whenever I need a lift or an energy boost. I usually make a large batch and store them in an air-tight container to enjoy throughout the week. Since they store well for 5-6 days, feel free to make them…

Roasted Vegetable Medley

A lovely array of spring vegetables that reminds us of the colors of autumn. This medley consists of roasted butternut squash, beetroot, zucchini, yellow pepper, garlic, and thyme. It is savory, succulent, juicy, delicious, wholesome, and comforting. These veggies are the perfect side to a variety of dishes and are also delicious on their own. I particularly enjoy…

Beetroot and Walnut Hummus

I find that the most satisfying of foods are also the most nourishing. It means eating for more than just feeding ourselves, but eating to take care of both our souls and bodies. This is indeed how this beetroot hummus makes me feel. It’s revitalizing, wholesome, refreshing, and packed with flavor. And it is also incredibly…

Fig, Date, and Chocolate Super Bars

These fig, date, and chocolate bars are my kind of wholesome indulgence. The goodness of these bars is multiplied by a plethora of health benefits that dates and figs provide. The luscious mediterranean fruits also contribute a natural sweetness that is simply delightful to the taste. Combined with salted cashews and creamy dark chocolate, these flavors are only heightened in…